Chapter 12
The deafening sound of applause broke through the heavy doors and struck Christine’s heart. The audience’s enthusiastic reaction made her grip the armrest of the silk sofa tighter. She was about to witness the solo performance of the world’s greatest pianist and the subsequent solo of an unknown opera singer. If she said she wasn’t nervous, it would be a lie.
“Please prepare.”
As Christine quickly reviewed the lyrics in her mind and tried to calm herself, the servant announced that it was time. Rising from the sofa, Christine adjusted her clothes and straightened her posture.
“You understand how important this is, right? Let me remind you, you are representing the Guno Opera Theatre tonight.”
“I understand, madam.”
“Good. Keep your posture as it is.”
The elderly woman carefully adjusted the back of Christine’s dress, which she couldn’t reach, and gave final instructions. She then looked Christine up and down one last time. She was unimpressed by the idea of a poor girl seeking etiquette lessons. It was strange that the palace had no opera singers available, so they had to bring in such a child.
The elderly woman felt relieved when she saw Christine at the rehearsal in the palace, her angelic voice soothing her worries. It was a voice that seemed familiar, though she couldn’t place it. Who was it?
At any rate, if the unknown singer didn’t make any foolish mistakes, her life could change dramatically.
“Opening the door.”
At the servant’s announcement, Christine took a deep breath and nodded.
‘Don’t worry, Mom. I won’t live like you.’
With a soft smile, Christine signaled to the servant. The white door, adorned with golden decorations, swung open toward her. Bright light poured in without hesitation.
There’s nothing to be afraid of.
Christine walked toward the light.
His gaze was intense.
The grand ceiling was painted with sacred frescoes, the dazzling crystal chandelier was lit, and the multi-colored lights were shining through the windows overlooking the large garden. Everything in the room was so spectacular that it almost overwhelmed Christine’s senses. But all she could see was Duke Deimos.
Their eyes met immediately.
A gaze full of anger.
Christine swallowed nervously.
Arthur saw the Duke’s hand, which had been holding his wife’s, drop away. The Duke’s eyes narrowed, his lips tight, and his fist clenched slowly, holding back his fury. Despite his feelings, the Duke quickly masked his expression with his usual skill.
Poor aunt.
Arthur had suspected this situation, especially since the Duke was paying for everything, but it was still disappointing. The Duke’s gaze passed over Christine and landed on her.
The woman, rigid like a marble statue, was still breathtakingly beautiful, catching everyone’s attention. But Christine only had eyes for Duke Deimos.
So this is what you wanted.
Arthur’s lips curled in a faint sneer.
“I haven’t seen her before. Who is she?”
“I’m not sure.”
Among the nobles who had been engrossed in the pianist’s performance, murmurs of disappointment and curiosity mixed. The atmosphere shifted as they whispered, now intrigued by the unknown singer.
Christine felt nothing but silence, her focus solely on Duke Deimos. His anger was so sharp it felt like a needle piercing her throat. Even though she expected it, she couldn’t help but feel cold.
Don’t be afraid.
Christine gathered all her focus and prepared herself for the moment.
“Arthur, would you introduce the lady?”
Princess Charlotte turned to Arthur and asked. Only then did Christine realize the Crown Prince was present. As soon as she turned, their eyes locked.
The miracle of Christmas, the one she had longed for.
Seeing the Crown Prince eased her tension and gave her a sense of relief. He was wearing a black tuxedo with a white gardenia boutonniere, and the sweet fragrance seemed to drift through the air.
“Miss Christine Faledon.”
Arthur’s low voice silenced the surrounding murmurs. Instantly, all the gazes shifted toward Christine.
“Oh! You were the singer who played Violet in ‘Camellia.’ You look different up close.”
“Yes, last time’s performance with Bennett was so disappointing.”
Some of the noble ladies, remembering the Guno Opera Theatre performance, acknowledged her. The atmosphere became more welcoming.
Christine steadied her trembling breath.
Unlike on stage, the distance to the audience was so close that she could hear every breath. She could even see the Duke’s eyebrows twitch and Princess Charlotte’s curious eyes fluttering.
“Miss Faledon.”
Christine unknowingly turned her head. The elderly woman, who had been standing behind the grand piano, wore a stern expression as she motioned for Christine to follow the proper etiquette.
Christine quickly bowed her head and gracefully lowered her body, her hair cascading over her shoulder.
This might be my only chance.
At least, that’s what the Duke’s gaze seemed to say. This might be the first and last time she would have this opportunity.
Straightening her posture, Christine took a deep breath. She looked at the pianist, giving him a silent signal. The pianist nodded, and as the first note echoed, the door to the music room opened soundlessly.
A woman in a dark green velvet dress, adorned with delicate lace, entered the room with the lightest of steps.
Christine froze, her lips parted as her gaze met the woman’s. She looked just like Christine—dark hair loosely braided and resting over one shoulder. The woman quietly took her seat next to Duke Deimos and Princess Charlotte.
The beautiful harmony of music played in the background, and Christine saw the Duke’s lips move, smiling as he whispered to the woman.
‘She’s here, our princess.’
Christine’s green eyes trembled.
Cecilia Deimos, his daughter.
The three of them sat together like an ideal family portrait. Even though the Duke’s eldest son was absent, they looked like the perfect family. As the woman whispered something to the Duke, he laughed, and Christine’s heart sank.
She had once dreamt of having a father like that.
‘Mom, when will father come?’
‘He’ll come when things get better. He won’t ignore us.’
How foolish that sounds now.
Christine stared at the woman, exuding an effortless grace, the kind only someone who had grown up without struggle could have. The whispers around her grew louder.
“This is her first time, so she must be nervous.”
“She doesn’t even deserve to be here. An unknown singer? This is almost an international embarrassment. I can’t even look at her in front of the Princess.”
The disapproving whispers blended with the clear piano notes.
The Duke’s daughter gave Christine a glance, then turned toward the Crown Prince, her gaze full of arrogance that Christine recognized all too well. It hurt deeply.
Christine slowly closed her eyes, her hands clenched into fists.
She took a deep breath, exhaling as if to push away the Duke’s image. She focused on the music.
Without regret, perfectly.
The sound of the piano, like the quiet walk of moonlight, spread slowly through the room before fading. Christine opened her eyes.
Show us! Your beauty!
Her clear, cold voice rang out beautifully.
